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Downer promotes upside to Brexit

Australia's High Commissioner in London, Alexander Downer, says Brexit is an opportunity for the UK and Australia to work more closely together, clinch a trade deal and promote shared values and interests globally.

In an opinion piece in Britain's The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, Mr Downer said he had believed the UK's decision to leave the European Union "would not be in Australia's interests, which are best served by a strong UK and a strong EU".

Brexit would damage the EU, blowing a hole in its budget and depriving it of a member with "substantial strategic reach and awesome soft power", he said.

"Nevertheless, once decisions are made, it is better to look to the future," Australia's former foreign minister wrote.

"So for our part we are encouraging the UK and the EU quickly to establish a new, mutually beneficial relationship that sustains the economies and global influence of both."

Mr Downer said Australia was keen to strike a free-trade agreement with the UK.

"That shouldn't be too hard to do because we are like-minded free traders who know that protectionism makes people poorer and costs jobs."

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Mr Downer said Australia also hoped the UK would continue to recognise it was a global power with global responsibilities, not just a regional player.

"If it does so, this will mean Australia and the UK finding yet more ways to work together to promote the values and objectives we share.

"We think alike on most of the great issues facing the world so it makes sense to reinforce each other when we can."

Mr Downer said his father, who was high commissioner in London between 1964 and 1972, argued "sometimes acrimoniously" with the British government about the UK joining the European Economic Community and the trade damage it would do to Australia.

"So there you have it. Britain's adventure in the EU has been bookended by the Downer family."